Thriving Filmmaker

Build a financially sustainable career in independent documentary film

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Your success doesn't only depend on learning how to craft a film -- getting the shot, learning to edit, having the right lenses.

You need to learn and practice the business side of filmmaking too.

This class is designed to give you an inside look at how different filmmakers pay themselves, set up their operations, fund their films, and build careers over decades -- including examples of *both* new models (like crowdfunding, niche-distribution, and building a personal audience) and traditional models that are still very relevant today (like grant funding, the festival route, and through distribution).

If you have a 9-to-5 and are side hustling, are a student, are an aspiring filmmaker, or are a freelancer working on a passion project while taking side gigs on other people's projects, then this class will help you. You'll learn how to go from struggling filmmaker jumping from project to project, to a focused and visionary filmmaker working on projects you love. (100% of my income -- including retirement, healthcare, and benefits -- comes from doing what I love most in doc films.)

By the end of this course you'll have a plan (and specific tools) to help you confidently build your career so you're able to tell stories that matter most to you, while also confidently pitching your work, negotiating, and earning a living that lets you go on a real vacation once in awhile.

If you're ready to start now, you can binge the whole thing in one weekend (the entire syllabus is below). You'll learn what it took me 6 years to learn, but in less than a weekend.This is a self-paced course so you can put it down and pick it up on your own time and it will be a reference for you forever. So you can always refer back to the sample emails, templates, and tools whenever you need them.

All for less than the cost of a weekend lens rental or dinner for two. #win!

"This course has helped me determine and understand what my financial needs are, what the services I offer are worth and how to confidently negotiate to reach my financial goals with each project."

How most successful documentary filmmakers pay themselves and how to apply that to your work

How to negotiate confidently and pitch effectively

How to proactively build a thriving body of work and lay the foundation for your career

How to make money with *both* new models (like crowdfunding, niche-distribution, and building a personal audience) and traditional models that are still very relevant today (like grant funding, the festival route, and through distribution)

For freelancers: how to set & earn a thriving rate

and more!

You'll be able to:

Create a funding & distribution strategy (with a template as a starting point)

Ask for help from people who are more experienced — like mentors and advisors

Determine and understand what your financial needs are

Set-up a stress-free personal & business budget

For freelancers: define your services so you attract more clients and reach your financial goals with each project

and more!

"Thank you for bringing fun, hope and positivity to such a heavy subject.

I entered your class feeling defeated and left feeling abundant and empowered."

-Barbara

off original price!

The coupon code you entered is expired or invalid, but the course is still available!

This course is not open for enrollment.

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You'll GET

Course:

5 Modules + 1 Bonus Module

15 Lessons -- each lesson contains a video lesson

Over 5 hours of video lessons

Over 30 resources

A convenient status bar, so you can track your progress

Resources:

Business structure case studies of how different filmmakers pay themselves and set up their operations

This course is not open for enrollment.

Your Instructor

I've taught personal finance workshops to hundreds and been featured in personal finance press including Learnvest, Bankrate, and The Money Nerds podcast.

I've worn many hats in documentary film -- production assistant, director, editor, transcriptionist, intern -- until I discovered what I love most in documentary film -- impact distribution producing, where I help filmmakers connect with the organizations, audiences, distributors, and funders who can best support and connect with their films. Now 100% of my income come from doing what I love, including paying for retirement, healthcare, and benefits.

I created Thriving Filmmaker to help you confidently build a financially thriving career in documentary film.

"Ani, I wish you were an app on my phone!"

-Eric

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The coupon code you entered is expired or invalid, but the course is still available!

How satisfied were you on a scale from 1 to 10 -- 10 being the highest?

9.8 out of 10 :)

off original price!

The coupon code you entered is expired or invalid, but the course is still available!

This course is not open for enrollment.

Enter your email to get in when this course launches

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course BEST for?

If you have a 9-to-5 and are side hustling, a student, aspiring filmmaker, or freelancer working on a passion project while taking side gigs on other people's projects, then this class will move bring you closer to building a thriving career. It will help you whether you want to make a living as a creative (like directors, producers, editors, DPs, etc.) or in a supporting production role (like production assistant, transcription, research, impact producer, etc.).

What if I don't make documentaries?

About 75% of the materials here will be useful, including lessons on building relationships, pitching, and setting up a thriving operation. The biggest difference being lessons on working with the people in your film (rather than actors or scripts). If you're curious about how the documentary film business works, then I suggest taking the class.

What if I am unhappy with the course?

I would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact me at ani (at) lookylookypictures (dot) com in the first 30 days after you enroll and I will give you a full refund.

How long do I have access to the course?

How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own. You'll learn what it took me 6 years to learn, but in less than a weekend -- if you're ready to start now, you can binge the whole thing in one weekend. This is a self-paced course so you can put it down and pick it up on your own time and it will be a reference for you forever. So you can always refer back to the sample emails, templates, and tools whenever you need them.

When does the course start and finish?

This is an entirely self-paced online course, so you can start as soon as you sign up and then complete it at your own pace. You'll have lifetime access to the course so can take it as quickly or as leisurely as you'd like. The intention is that it will serve as a reference for you so you can keep revisiting it and referencing it throughout your career.

Will there be more lessons in the future?

Yes! The plan is to add more lessons based on student feedback and demand. As more lessons are added, the price will also increase. So sign up now.

Will the price remain the same?

No. Prices can change at any time without previous notice as the program evolves and new features get added.
Enrolled students in the course get to vote on the new lessons and features.

Can I just buy a portion of the program?

No. This is a system of interrelated modules and lessons, not a series of unconnected tactics.

What do I need in order to participate in the course?

You will need a computer, internet access, the ability to watch online videos, the ability to download PDFs (many are shared at Google docs that you can view and download or copy to your own Google Drive).

I represent an organization/school, can I buy bulk licenses?

Yes. Email me: ani (at) lookylookypictures (dot) com

Other questions?

Email me: ani (at) lookylookypictures (dot) com

off original price!

The coupon code you entered is expired or invalid, but the course is still available!